Moving from Naperville, IL to Madison, WI
The 140 mi from Naperville to Madison translate to about 3h 1m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
140 mi Β· 3h 1m by car Β· WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 39, IL 59 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Chicago, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 97.287, putting Madison roughly 6.1% below Naperville on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Madison: 6.1% below Naperville on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 40.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.19 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.1% between Naperville and Madison (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Madison MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 47,900 | $46,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,050 | $37,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 32,230 | $30,120 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 31,450 | $76,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,080 | $40,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Madison, WI from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 140 mi and the route typically takes 3h 1m via I 90 and I 39. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Madison more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 6.1% lower than Naperville (97.287 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Madison compare to Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 30.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 140 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 49.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Madison, WI.